fifty two on fridays | week forty six

“My heart is drumming in my chest so hard it aches,

but it's the good kind of ache,

like the feeling you get on the first real day of autumn,

when the air is crisp

and the leaves are all flaring at the edges

and the wind smells just vaguely of smoke -

like the end and the beginning of something all at once.”

-Lauren Oliver, Delirium

WEEK 46 - Autumn

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but I love it so much. When I was younger, I soaked up the sun & lived for summer. But now, the smells, colors, & feelings of autumn call to me. They refresh my soul & make me feel close to God in this beautiful world He created. The falling leaves, the bright hues of orange, yellow & red that fade into brown & then leave both fragile & majestic branches bare.

Perhaps it's the memory of family traditions, good food, hot chocolate, brisk air, the first long sleeves & jackets of the season, cuddling under warm blankets with loved ones. The richness of autumn sets my heart on fire. The peace of this time of year, the extra burst of love & kindness, & the presence of God everywhere rejuvinate me & remind me of all I have to be grateful for.

My good friend Tiffani took this picture of Ruby & me, & since it's so rare to have pictures of me with the children, I had to add it. Getting colds is not my favorite thing about autumn, but I do love cuddling my sweet babes when they need the extra comfort.

Continue to Jackie Petersen Photography to see what her autumn experience is like.